Preview: Miami football faces undefeated Western Michigan at home

The Miami University RedHawks football team (5-3, 3-0 in conference play) are back for another week of football. This time, the RedHawks are back at home facing yet another Michigan team in Western Michigan University (4-3, 3-0) at 3:30 p.m. at Yager Stadium on Oct. 25.

Last time the Broncos and RedHawks clashed, the RedHawks beat the Broncos 34-21. However, both teams look completely different this season.

Miami is riding a four-game win streak while remaining undefeated in conference play. However, the Broncos are on the same streak after dropping their first three games against two Big Ten opponents, as well as a gut wrenching 33-30 loss to North Texas University.

Since then, Western Michigan faced three Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponents and one Football Championship Series (FCS) team, winning all four. The Broncos even beat the University of Toledo, who had the best odds to win the conference according to the 2025 MAC football preseason coaches poll.

Now, the Broncos look to storm into Oxford to add on to their resume in hopes of making the MAC championship, a first since 2016 when they beat Ohio University 29-23.

Led by sophomore quarterback Broc Lowry, Western Michigan is looking for a big win in a breakout year under third year head coach Lance Taylor.

Miami is still trying to add to its accolade collection and still has a long way to go to make the MAC championship. After making it to Detroit the past two years and winning the conference in 2023, the RedHawks are looking at their third consecutive appearance.

After a high scoring contest against Eastern Michigan University last week, the RedHawks look to continue offensive production, putting up 1,339 yards in the air through seven games under seventh-year quarterback Dequan Finn.

Miami will look to continue its air raid against a tough Western Michigan defense, who is 17th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in allowed passing yards per game (170.1).

Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Welsh has been dialing up a game plan all week for the RedHawks, alongside head coach Chuck Martin. Martin, who ranks seventh in total wins in the MAC, is looking to get his 55th conference win.

“We’re going to take what they give us,” Welsh said. “If they want to defend the pass, we’ll find a way to run. If they want to defend the run, we’ll find a way to pass.”

The Broncos are tied for first in the nation with the University of Oklahoma for total sacks (28), and the Broncos get to the quarterback in 10.94% of snaps during pass plays. With the RedHawks having a new offensive line, this will be their first true test.

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“We got to stay the course,” Finn said. “They got guys, we got guys, but we just have to stay the course and be mentally strong.”

Luckily for Miami, a run-heavy scheme will be in its favor. Finn and redshirt senior running back Jordan Brunson are a dynamic duo in the backfield. The two have a combined 637 rushing yards this season.

Western Michigan has allowed 132 rushing yards per game, and with the RedHawks averaging 169, they will look to “pound the rock” all day long.

On the defensive side, the RedHawks have been rallying. Redshirt senior linebacker Corban Hondru had a great game against Eastern Michigan with seven tackles and an interception. So far, Hondru has 47 tackles and three picks, including one he returned for a touchdown, through seven games. He will be a key piece against a Broncos offense with a heavy run attack, running on 58% of plays.

As the captain of the defense, Hondru will rally the troops into Yager on Saturday and help keep the RedHawks hot throughout the entire 60 minutes.

“We have to be true to ourselves and have good eyes and technique and just do what we’re supposed to do every play,” Hondru said.

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

mccartd6@miamioh.edu